06/06/2026
Oyo School Abduction: Peter Obi Criticises Tinubu’s Approval of 1,000 Forest Guards, Calls for Comprehensive Security Strategy
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Federal Government had earlier dispatched a high-level delegation to the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota to express the President’s concern over the incident. During the visit, the delegation announced the President’s approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to strengthen security in the area.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Friday, Mr. Obi described the decision as a reactive measure that reflects a broader pattern of inadequate responses to critical national challenges.
According to him, effective security management requires strategic planning and long-term policy implementation rather than emergency interventions triggered by specific incidents.
“The recruitment of forest guards may be beneficial, but it should form part of a well-coordinated national security framework rather than a response to isolated events,” Mr. Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor further linked the country’s security challenges to what he described as leadership failures, arguing that insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and economic instability are interconnected issues that require comprehensive solutions.
Mr. Obi expressed concern over the increasing levels of insecurity across several states, including Oyo, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Katsina, Anambra, Niger, Imo, and Sokoto. He noted that while strengthening security personnel is necessary, the approach should be systematic, equitable, and applicable across all states facing similar threats.
He also raised questions regarding the relationship between the proposed forest guards and existing regional security initiatives such as the South-West Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, seeking clarification on how both structures would operate together.
Advocating a broader security strategy, Mr. Obi emphasised the need for policies that promote national unity, economic growth, youth employment, agricultural development, industrialisation, and effective resource management.
He maintained that addressing insecurity requires a holistic approach that tackles both the immediate security concerns and the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to crime and instability.
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to Mr. Obi’s remarks.
